THE APHN installation Sacraments and Vows is currently on display on the second floor of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame/Northwest Louisiana History Museum. The exhibit will continue through May 10th.

Sacraments and Vows, a new exhibit at the Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches, is now open. The exhibit was installed by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches as part of its year-long Tri-Centennial program. The Museum’s Branch Manager, Jennae Biddiscombe said, “We are proud to participate in the 300th anniversary of Natchitoches with not only our Tri-Centennial exhibit Faces of Natchitoches but also by hosting several of the APHN exhibits throughout the year, starting with the ‘Sacred Faith Theme’ exhibit. The exhibit is located on the second floor and is a beautiful testament to the spiritual culture of Northwest Louisiana.”

Ron McBride, Tri-Centennial Manager said, “The Tri-Centennial Celebration year began in January, 2014, with several events highlighted by the Second Saturday exhibit Sacraments and Vows, hosted by the APHN on January 11. As manager of the Tri-Centennial Celebration I was inspired by the quality of the exhibit of wedding and christening gowns, photographs and memorabilia from the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the stories about church events and the impact of religion on the Natchitoches area. This event allowed us to go back in time to observe these wonderful events that connect our past to who we are today. It is an opportunity to examine sacred ceremonies and the people, clothing and rituals important to them.” The APHN January 11th exhibit has now been installed in the museum.

The exhibit also includes rare images of a Cane River baptism from the scrapbook of Lyle Saxton, family bibles from old Natchitoches families, antique crucifixes, 19th century prayer books, and an important early painting by local artist Clementine Hunter that originally hung on the outside of Ghana House at Melrose Plantation. It has never before been shown prior to this exhibit.

“Sacraments and vows have been a foundation for the lives of the individual citizens of Natchitoches and our community as a whole for 300 years. From the births of children and their rebirth into a faith, from the spiritually important sacrament of marriage to the life of faith expressed in the congregations of our houses of worship, our community has found strength and purpose in a belief in and service to God. Our exhibit honors that Sacred Faith history,” said Gary Cathey, APHN Tri-Centennial Committee Chair.

This exhibit is supported by the Tri-Centennial Steering Committee.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame / Northwest Louisiana History Museum is located at 800 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The exhibit is currently on display and will continue through May 10th. Adults $5.00, Students, Senior Citizens, Active Military $4.00, Children 12 and under free.